India, April 6 -- In the remote hills of Swabhiman Anchal in southern Odisha's Malkangiri district, sweet potato quietly anchors the livelihoods of an entire village. In Salgamput, a small tribal settlement under Panasput panchayat in the Chitrakonda block, the humble tuber ensures food security, nutrition and boost income for communities.

Locally known as Munduru Konda, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) has long been a staple for the villagers, most of whom belong to the Paraja and Kondh tribal communities. Salgamput, with just 18 households, relies largely on rainfed agriculture for its livelihood. For generations, families here have grown sweet potatoes on upland fields, passing down the practice from one generation to the next. "Our gra...